Pen devoid of poems
adventure long overdue
living room carpet
growing long in the tooth
I’m pining for movement
so keen to get out
I’ll go walking down
to Holly Hagg
Little glimpses at normality
haloed by golden rays
There’s no poison
in the idle river
no politics
in the quiet horse
cantering to
another chew
The clouds of working day
part while I’m out walking
bathed in nature’s endless beauty
which never disappears
only ever obscured by thought
or perspective
Eased back into focus
on the road
to Holly Hagg
With every step I take
the tension unspools
And there are words, waiting
ideas that come to me
pinned to ancient fenceposts
nestled in the cracks between the stones
making up the wall
that keeps me on the road
to Holly Hagg
The walk becomes a gallop
blood pumping in my chest
body now loose enough
for every step to be a dance
I am light and free
as I close the distance
on my prized poetry
and the generous view expands
beyond Holly Hagg…
[2020]
Thanks for reading.
The Lighthouse 
Enjoyed this one, Tom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah thank you Kim, I’m so pleased. All I can manage to write these days is lockdown reveries, but this has been my most elating discovery. Who knew their was a high to be found in simply moving! 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really nice the cantering in the horse, and the mirroring of that in the narrator running, the freedom feeling… the momentary escape from lockdown and/or work, and the inspiration that fresh outlook and movement brings from nature…
“And there are words, waiting
ideas that come to me
pinned to ancient fenceposts
nestled in the cracks between the stones
making up the wall
that keeps me on the road…”
I especially like that part, very visual and evocative!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lia 🙂 You have picked my favourite bit too. Exercise is just magic isn’t it; lifts your mood and brings you inspiration too. I’m really pleased you enjoyed, it’s so rewarding to share those moments of pure happiness with others through writing these little poems of mine. 🙏🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally (re: exercise)!!! Thanks so much for reading my work, was happy to find yours in return, the walks/runs in nature are definitely something I can relate to! 🙏🙌🌻 That last poem of yours about your grandfather though was truly a work of art as well. Keep sharing! :)))
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww thank you again. High praise indeed. 🙏🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed this one Tom. I was going to message you and ask what you’ve been doing lately for inspiration for your writing, as mine seems to be waning as of late. And here you answered me in your poem! I just need to go for a walk in nature! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Alisha, thanks so much. I was glad to be able to record this little discovery in a poem (AKA time capsule) to reflect on in years to come. What an odd year. All my recent poems (A Most Comfortable Prison, Holly Hagg, Cairo On The Radio and Step Change) came to me while out walking. If you’re looking for inspiration, it’s out there waiting; get the blood pumping in your chest and it will present itself. I’m looking forward to reading what you put down. 🙂 Tom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree Tom, inspiration is out there waiting and I am often inspired by walking. My problem is that I have been unable to go for my regular walks since March so am missing out. I hope to be able to resume soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah Peter, yes, I hope you can get out again soon. That must be very frustrating. I try to leave my phone at home when I get out and the other day had forgotten to take a pen and notepad with me… The poem ‘Mayor of Kabul’ popped into my head and, after 10 irritating minutes of searching the ground for a discarded biro, I realised I could dictate the poem into my Apple watch and email it to myself. I like it when technology actually helps the creative process! I hope you get out again soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I talk to the trees, the bees, the fleas, and my wrist!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember this from your book, Tom. One of my (many) favourites. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Chris. The reason I re-posted this one was because I was out walking the other day and thinking how happy it makes me and how many ideas come to me when I’m walking and how I should write a poem about that… but, of course, I’ve already written that poem and this is it. Maybe it’s time for a sequel? 🙂 Thanks for reading and all your support. I really do appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d love to read where your next inspirational walk takes you, Tom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Chris. Me too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Inspires me to regain my roaming adventures outdoors and unpin the poetry of my days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s music to my ears! Strap your walking boots on and get out there… I can almost guarantee some writing or creativity inspiration will come your way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hiking through the urban jungle to a lake outside the city. I’m open to the magic and mischief of the day.
LikeLike
I do love this one Tom. I was completely jealous of it when I read it in your book 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha thanks Bree. As I said to Chris, I really wanted to write another poem about this exact same thing, but maybe this one already says it all. I’ll have to turn my attentions elsewhere…
LikeLike
Haha, I don’t doubt you’ll be able to write something about wherever you turn your attention 👌🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess we should just keep trying to get better and better at what we do… and keep doing it until we can’t. 🤩
LikeLiked by 1 person